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Top 5 Family Friendly Hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way

Holidaying at home this year? Enjoy the longest defined coastal road trip in the world, and take a family break along the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching from Donegal to Cork.

Measuring 2,500km from start to finish, the route has enough attractions to fill a lifetime of visits and offers something to suit every age. Here are some of our favourite family friendly hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way:

1. The Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

The Inishowen Gateway Hotel is a great base for the start of your Wild Atlantic Way adventure. The Blue Flag Lisfannon beach is right next to the hotel grounds, and the hotel itself runs Family Funcation breaks with Planet Active and Planet Imagination kids’ clubs, a 20-metre pool, and family rooms. Visit their website here.

2. Mulranny Park Hotel, Mulranny, Co. Mayo

Mulranny Park Hotel is one of the best hotels in the west of Ireland for families. The Wild Woollies kids' club opens during school holidays, offering everything from discos and shell hunts to cake decorating. You can also rent bikes on the spot and cycle the Greenway, which runs right past the hotel. The pool is warm and well-equipped. Visit their website here.

3. The Connacht Hotel, Galway

Conveniently located on the Dublin Road into Galway City, the Connacht Hotel is developing a great reputation for looking after families. It offers two kids’ clubs, catering for 3-5-year-olds and 6-15-year-olds, respectively. Parents of younger children are encouraged to use the facilities of the play room with their babies and toddlers. As well as a 20m swimming pool, there is a separate shallow pool for smaller guests. Accommodation includes family rooms, suites and interconnecting rooms. Visit their website here.

4. Treacy’s West County Conference & Leisure Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare

Treacy’s stated policy is “if the kiddies are happy, then Mom and Dad are happy too.” They offer a 20- metre pool with a dedicated children’s pool, a kids’ club during school holidays, and a choice of family rooms. The standard family room accommodates up to two adults and two children in a double bed and two single beds, and the large family room has an extra single bed, to suit two adults and up to three children sharing. Family Friendly Deals are also available. Visit their website here.

5. Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry

The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers free B&B with direct hotel bookings to kids under 12. As well as kids' clubs, a playroom, playground, and special family rooms, they provide a special Kids’ Corner with games and DVDs in the restaurant, so parents can have a little grown-up time. Children aged 6 to 15 can get stuck into the outdoor camps (in conjunction with Star Outdoors). If you prefer a self-catering option, there are very well-equipped apartments and holiday homes on the hotel grounds, so you have easy access to all hotel facilities while enjoying the independence of your own living space. Visit their website here.

Which other hotel would you add to our family friendly list? Be sure to let us know in the comments!